Israel is close to selecting a prime contractor to conduct an avionics upgrade on its air force fleet of 23 Lockheed Martin C-130E/H transports, with Boeing, Elbit Systems, Israel Aircraft Industries and L-3 Communications among companies expected to compete.
The selection comes as the air force awaits the outcome of comprehensive fatigue tests recently performed on its aircraft with the assistance of Lockheed. This process is expected to determine the operational life expectancy of the service’s 12 C-130Es and 11 C-130Hs, which were donated to Israel by the USA in 1973.
The air force is currently working to compare the results of the review with the flight hours amassed by C-130s operated by the US Air Force. “We operate these aircraft under much heavier stress and we need a comparison basis for future evaluation,” says a senior air force source. The official says the test results will enable the service to clear its C-130s for several more years of unlimited operation, but that while there is no need for immediate action, the condition of some of its aircraft is “worrying, but controllable”.
Israel last year rejected offers to replace its C-130E/Hs with new C-130Js or smaller C-27J transports promoted by Italy’s Alenia Aeronautica in favour of extending operations of its current fleet by up to 20 years (Flight International, 7-13 June 2005).
■ The Israeli air force has announced plans to extend current avionics and communications system upgrades to its fleet of locally converted Boeing 707 in-flight refuelling aircraft. To include the installation of glass cockpits and new global air traffic management systems, the additional work will enable the tankers to use international routes without operating restrictions, the service says.
ARIE EGOZI/TEL AVIV
Source: Flight International
